Good scientific practice and research ethics
The credibility of scientific research and the trust of society in research require that research be conducted in accordance with good scientific practice and taking into account ethical considerations. Research ethics ensures the ethical acceptability of research, while good scientific practice strengthens the reliability and quality of research. Knowing and implementing both is a key part of responsible science. Research ethics and good scientific practice cover the entire research process.
The RCF is committed to following the guidelines of the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity and requires this also from RCF-funded researchers.
Good scientific practice – a common guideline of the scientific community
Good scientific practice (also referred to as research integrity) refers to practices recognised by the scientific community that guide all stages of research from planning to reporting. The principles of good scientific practice are, among other things:
• honesty, diligence and accuracy in the design, implementation, recording and presentation of research results
• responsible data management and ethically sustainable data acquisition and research methods
• transparency and responsible scientific communication in the publication of results
• appropriate referencing and respect for the work of other researchers, and taking their achievements into account
• clear agreements on authorship, responsibilities and obligations in the research teams before the start of the research.
Good scientific practice in Finland is based on the guidelines of the National Board on Research Integrity: Finnish Code of Conduct for Research Integrity and Procedures for Handling Alleged Violations of Research Integrity in Finland (PDF). In addition to the principles, the guidelines also define what is considered to be contrary to good scientific practice and how any suspected violations are handled.
Adherence to good scientific practice is primarily the responsibility of each individual researcher and research team, but the responsibility is also shared by the director of the research unit and the management of the research organisations involved.
Research ethics – the foundation of trust and quality
The key objective of the principles and obligations of research ethics is to ensure that research is ethically acceptable and that the rights and wellbeing of participants are protected.
The key areas of research ethics are:
• consent and rights of research participants
• data protection and ethical processing of research data
• risk assessment and ethical review where required by law or according to guidelines of the National Board on Research Integrity (PDF)
• obtaining necessary research permits.
The aim of research ethics is to ensure that both research participants and society trust research.
Good scientific practice and research ethics in RCF funding calls
Applicants must always describe in their applications how the funded research or activity complies with good scientific practice and provide information on any ethical aspects related to the research or activity. Good scientific practice and research ethics issues are among the criteria used in the review of applications.
Read more in the application guidelines on good scientific practice and research ethics.
Suspected violations
We will not consider (process) a funding application if the applicant has been found guilty of research misconduct or some other serious violation of research integrity in the previous three years (counted from the call's closing date). If we find out about the violation during the funding period, whatever is left of the funding period will be added to the three-year limit. If the applicant appeals the decision on the violation, and the appeal is successful, we will process the applicant’s new applications following normal procedures.
If an investigation has been conducted into a violation of research integrity by the principal investigator of a project that has received funding from the RCF or a researcher working on the project, the project's site of research must submit the final report of the investigation and the possible statement of the National Advisory Board on Research Integrity to the RCF Registrar's Office (kirjaamo@aka.fi).
